It can be intimidating to hire a lawyer, especially if it’s your first time. Hiring an attorney to provide legal advice or representation can be expensive. Understanding the costs associated with hiring an attorney will help you decide if it’s a worthwhile investment. We’ll look at the most common fees that attorneys charge and how these can impact their affordability.
Hourly Rates
Most attorneys bill by the hour. This means they charge you for the time they spend on your case. Hourly rates can be negotiated and depend on many factors, including experience, location and type of practice. This rate should be discussed before signing any agreements to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Retainer fees
In certain types of cases such as criminal or family law, a retainer fee may be required upfront. The retainer fee is paid up front and acts as a down payment for future services provided by the lawyer. The amount varies depending on the type of case, but can include charges for additional expenses such as expert witness fees or court filing fees.
Flat Rate Fees
Some attorneys charge flat fees for services like wills, incorporations and contract reviews. Clients can get an idea of the total cost up front by using flat fee arrangements. They don’t have to worry about being charged for each minute of work on their case. These arrangements are not suitable for complex cases, where the hours spent on a case cannot be accurately predicted.
Understanding the costs can make hiring an attorney more affordable. Be sure to understand the type of fee schedule that your attorney uses and how much money you’ll be required to pay in-pocket during your case before signing anything. Understanding these fees upfront will ensure that both parties feel satisfied with the result of their agreement. After reading this, you shouldn’t feel intimidated by the prospect of hiring an attorney.